Prime Minister Stephen HarperCHRIS YOUNG/The Canadian Press
Prime Minster Stephen Harper gave an emphatic 'no' to a new abortion law but passed the buck when it came to the growing controversy over allowing the Auditor-General to examine MP expenses.
It isn't his decision to make as it's not "under the government's jurisdiction," he told reporters in Niagara Falls on Friday, suggesting it's a problem for all parties. "Parliament is independent on these matters. I understand they are still having some discussion on this matter."
He went on to talk about how he keeps his cabinet ministers in check on expenses and how his government is clamping down to try to balance its budget. "My biggest concern is that we want to see Parliament work to limit the growth of its expenses. That's what we are doing as a government," he said.
This issue is causing increasing public outrage. Polls suggest Canadians strongly want MPs to come clean on their spending and a Facebook page has been created demanding that Sheila Fraser be allowed to audit the House of Commons books, with multiple newspaper editorials echoing that desire.
It's an issue on which it seems the Prime Minister and Michael Ignatieff agree - at least when it comes to who is responsible. The Liberal Leader said earlier this week that the Auditor-General wish to review MP expenses is not just " my problem" as it involves the other parties in Parliament.
Ms. Fraser was denied permission for an audit by the all-party Board of Internal Economy that oversees MP budgets and expenses. While the board meets in camera, the Bloc Québécois says it supported Ms. Fraser's request but was overruled.
Mr. Ignatieff changed his tune slightly this week, putting some pressure on the other parties. "What I support is Sheila Fraser, the Auditor-General, coming to the Board of Internal Economy and talking about what she wants to do and then taking it from there," he said.
MPs and senators manage a combined budget of $544-million a year, which includes individual office budgets and central services such as the library and security. The budget also includes perks such as the services of a tailor for free clothing repair and pressing, and free language training for themselves and their spouses. MPs can also receive free training in media relations.
On the abortion issue, meanwhile, the Prime Minister was asked about a private member's bill from his one of his own MPs that would re-open the debate. Mr. Harper firmly shut the door again on the issue, which has become contentious of late as a result of his government's refusal to include access to safe abortion as part of its G8 maternal health initiative.
"I generally don't comment on private member's legislation but I have to be clear: I will oppose any attempt to create a new abortion law."